Beach Wheelchair

Beaches can be difficult to access for people with disabilities, especially those who are wheelchair users or who have limited mobility. The beach wheelchair provides people with the freedom to enjoy the sand and the surf without any accessibility challenges.

Sutherland Shire Council has a modern beach wheelchair that is available for community use. It is available free of charge for short-term loans and can be taken on the sand and in the water. Bookings are necessary.

The chair is available seven days a week from 8am to 4pm in summer and 10am to 2pm in winter.

If you would like to borrow the wheelchair, contact the Cronulla Lifeguard office on (02) 9544 5399.

For the safety and convenience of users and other beachgoers, some conditions apply to the use of the wheelchair. These include:

• The beach wheelchair can only be used at Cronulla Beach (South Cronulla).
• The beach wheelchair can only be booked during times when lifeguards are on duty.
• The maximum length of booking is for four hours per person.
• A carer must be present at all times.
• The lifeguard on duty will determine appropriate weather conditions for use.
• The user/carer has the responsibility to look after the chair at all times.
• The user and/or carer must read and sign the use policy before the beach wheelchair can be used.
• The user/carer must return the beach wheelchair to the storage facility and inform the lifeguard that it has been returned.

Disabled parking

When a booking is made by phone, the lifeguard will tell you where the beach wheelchair is located and, where disabled parking is available. They will also advise you of the procedure for dropping off the passenger at South Cronulla Beach.

A disabled parking space is available at South Cronulla Beach in front of the Surf Life Saving Club. If you wish to use this space, please inform the lifeguard at the time of your booking so a permit can be arranged for you. Alternatively, you can drop your passenger off at this location and then park elsewhere.

How do I use the wheelchair?

Prior to using the beach wheelchair, you are required to read the instructions for use and fill in your personal details and signature in the 'beach buggy loan book'. This must be completed each time the beach wheelchair is booked. If you are using the beach wheelchair for the first time, you must watch a demonstration for use of the beach wheelchair by the lifeguard on duty prior to using the beach wheelchair.